(12-20-2024, 11:33 AM)cland Wrote:

(12-20-2024, 10:32 AM)Caldrac Wrote: [...]

We can make the argument about the record number of games being lost by one score or less. However, that would be my exact counter argument and point. Why is it that you're unable to close that gap? Well, to the average fan, we already know the answer to that question. Goes back to what I just cited earlier. The same issues since day one.

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Something to understand about some of the 'one-score games' is that the opposing coaches don't care if they win by 1 score or 2.  If the opposing coaches team is up by 2 scores with time ticking down in the 4th, the right call is to play a very conservative/safe defense taking away the downfield plays so long as the offense is chewing up clock to get down the field for the 1st of the 2 scores.  The blitzing stops, the edge pass rush is much more concerned with pocket contain, and while the offense is chewing up 10 yards at a time that's fine so long as at the ball ends up with the offense to burn out the game clock.

If the opposing offense goes into victory formation at the end of the game it doesn't matter how 'close' the score is.

Agreed. We have had at least six games though where it could have been won or lost on the final possession of the game. We lost to Miami, Green Bay, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Houston (at home) and the Jets recently in this fashion. I think that's how the folks in this camp will ultimately view the argument, possibly Khan. It's not like they were in games that were clearly out of hand or out of control in all of their losses this year. The only games this team really had it's [BLEEP] handed to them was in Buffalo, London against Chicago and then Detroit.

Those other losses were either winnable on the last possession on offense where a score would have taken the lead, or, we had the lead and lost the game all within probably that 1:00 - 3:00 minute range in Q4. It's a valid and legitimate argument, but, for me, again, it goes back to your points above. If your offense is able to score another possession via converting a crucial third down, or, steal a possession via a turnover, or, push the opponent back with viable pass rush on defense? We probably have at least a .500 record at the moment.

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